Everton could have winger Andre Ayew high on their shortlist as the transfer deadline approaches, insider Pete O'Rourke has claimed.

What's the word?

Everton are yet to make any signings in the January transfer window and currently face the threat of relegation after a poor start to the season.

With just hours remaining of the window, there doesn't seem to be any indication that an arrival is imminent, and they have already lost winger Anthony Gordon to Newcastle.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O'Rourke hinted that Ayew could be an option for new manager Sean Dyche should Everton want to bring in a body to aid their survival bid.

He said: "Ayew has got great experience of the Premier League, from his time at Swansea and West Ham.

"He does offer that to Everton, and if they do fail to bring in signings before the deadline, I'm sure Ayew will be pretty high up their list."

Desperation hours

Everton need firepower up front, as they struggled for goals even before Gordon's move to Newcastle, and after a failed move for Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma earlier in the window, it is now the point of desperation for the club to strengthen their squad.

Ayew was last seen in English football in 2021 before moving to Al Sadd in Qatar, where the 33-year-old scored four times in 10 games this season.

Now a free agent, the transfer deadline does not apply to the Toffees in terms of getting a deal done - which means there will be no rush to finalise a deal - although Nottingham Forest were among those also linked with a swoop for the Ghanaian.

Whilst his best years may be beyond him, he does have experience in Premier League relegation battles and could provide depth across the frontline in Everton's thin squad.

He may not be an ideal signing, but with limited time left in the window, a short-term deal for the Ghana international may be worth a gamble.